If you've ever watched a game of cricket, it may seem like not much happens. However, as mentioned last week, cricket is a game which demands bursts of high energy followed frequently by periods of little or no expenditure.
It is a great social way to get fit especially during the summer. It can be extremely demanding especially if spread over a full day.
Technically this means that the body is using its anaerobic system to perform the exercise. Various forms of shuttle running, sprinting or team relays can be used to improve the anaerobic system.
Exercise: The wicketkeeper rolls the ball out along the ground towards the fielder who runs in, picks it up and returns it to the keeper. As soon as he's thrown it the fielder returns to his/her start position by which time the keeper has rolled the ball out again.
This should be done about five times without stopping followed by a rest period. There are infinite numbers of variations on this technique, including chase and retrieve, ball thrown to alternative sides. Competition is always a useful incentive and shuttles can be undertaken against a partner or in teams.
Stamina and endurance are also very important to cricketers. The batters need to be able to stay at the wicket for long periods, whilst bowlers must be able to maintain their efforts throughout long and tiring bowling spells.
Therefore, some form of endurance training should be incorporated into a cricketer's training regime. Training should try to be as match specific as possible. For example, one good way of increasing endurance in bowlers is to stage long bowling sessions in the nets. This will help the bowlers achieve a rhythm as well as help their skill to improve.
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